Kettle Campaign co-ordinator Ashley Barnes and volunteer Brian Austin work a station Friday at the Northlands Co-op. The Salvation Army is looking for people to volunteer for the organization.--NEWS PHOTO MO CRANKER
mcranker@medicinehatnews.com@MHNmocranker
The Salvation Army’s biggest fundraiser is now under way.
The annual Kettle Campaign kicked off Thursday night and will run through the winter to raise important funds for the organization.
“It’s only been one day but it’s been good so far,” said co-ordinator Ashley Barnes. “We kicked things off last night with cake and coffee – then we did a walk around the block.”
The campaign runs every year around Christmas and helps families in the community celebrate the holiday.
“This is important for our community,” said Barnes.
Barnes says the campaign is by far the biggest for the Salvation Army and that the organization is hoping to raise more than $300,000 this year.
It’s huge for the Salvation Army,” she said. “We’re hoping to hit around $350,000 – the community always comes out to support us every year and we’re thankful.
“The money comes from people dropping change into the kettles – the support is outstanding.”
Barnes says the organization tries to help families in any way it can during the Holiday season.
“Food, gifts – anything we can do to help,” she said. “The money also goes to helping our resource centre downtown.
“Anyone in need of help can reach out to the resource centre.”
Barnes says the group is looking for help with manning the city’s 14 kettle stations.
“Volunteers are always needed,” she said. “The locations run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can call Barnes at 587-253-0740.
